Before you fire up your outdoor grill again, please think safety first…safety for yourself, your family, your neighbors and your home! Safety first begins by being aware of regulations within your residential community. The following fire codes apply to multiple-family dwellings:
The 2011 Ohio Fire Code Rule 3 Section 308.14 specifies that charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within ten (10) feet of combustible construction. This would include propane or LPG grills.
Exceptions:
- One and Two family dwellings
- Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
- Where approved by the fire code official, charcoal burners are allowed to be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction where all of the flowing conditions are met: 3.1 The charcoal burners are attended by an adult at all times when in operation. 3.2 Portable fire extinguishers in the type, quantity and size as approved by the fire code official are present on the combustible balconies or at the cooking site located within 10 feet of the combustible construction. 3.3 All nonstructural combustible material must be removed from the combustible balconies or at the cooking site located within 10 feet of combustible construction.
- LP-gas cooking devices having an LP gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2 ½ pounds.
The 2011 Ohio Fire Code Rule 38 Section 3809.10.2 specifies that the storage of gas cylinders within residential buildings, including the basement or any storage area in a common basement storage area in multiple-family buildings and attached garages is prohibited. Gas cylinders are to be stored a minimum of ten (10) feet from all multiple family dwellings.
If you have any questions and/or comments or if you want someone to speak at your homeowners’ association meeting, please do not hesitate in contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau at (440) 354.7504.